WHO WE ARE

ABOUT US

ABOUT NOAH

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit from the womb a reward.” -Psalm 127:3

Our son, Noah Connally, was born on August 18, 2015 with only half of a working heart. Noah was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome at our 20-week ultrasound. We agreed to a risky in-utero operation to try to save Noah’s left ventricle when he was 28 weeks. Unfortunately, the left ventricle in Noah’s heart remained underdeveloped. When Noah was 7 days old he went under the Norwood operation which is the first of three life saving surgeries that he will need to reconstruct his heart. Our son is an absolute miracle and we are excited to see what God has purposed for his life.

HISTORY

Our Beginning

By Niccole Connally

I met Sean at Vanguard University while we were both earning our teaching credentials. Sean was obviously the smartest student in class, and I was instantly drawn to him in a way that I couldn’t explain. Unbeknownst to me, Sean had been curious about who I was and wanted to get to know me better as well.

On February 9, 2006, I opened up my email to find a message from him! I read the words, “Call me sometime and you will have the pleasure of speaking with me.” I was immediately intrigued by his confidence, wit, and forward approach. I quickly learned that Sean was actually very humble and less forward than his email insinuated. The next day after class let out, he ran to catch up with me as I climbed into my red jeep wrangler. He invited me to coffee and after 4 hours of amazing conversation, I knew he was the one God intended for me! Sean experienced the same emotions after our date, and four months later on July 22, 2006, we became husband and wife.

Sean and I were married at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa on the hottest summer day. As I prepared to walk down the aisle, I turned to my dad and said, “I absolutely know without any doubt I’m marrying God’s best for me.” The ceremony was long and the church was warm, but we couldn’t have been any happier. After being pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Connally, we walked to the back of the church to the Star Wars theme song; my surprise to Sean, who is a huge Star Wars fan. Our dreams of being married had come true! We honeymooned in Maui, Hawaii, and for the entire week we talked nonstop about the large family we had been praying for since our first date. Just six weeks after returning home from Maui, we found out we were pregnant with Emma! On June 4th, though we tried to deliver naturally, Emma was born via c-section. We were absolutely in love and over the moon with our new addition. This was just the beginning for us as we then had babies every two years after that; Hannah, Rebecca, Leanna, then Noah in 2015.

2015

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” –Luke 12:34

The day after Easter 2015 we were told that our unborn son had a serious heart condition. We spent the next months traveling to Los Angeles to have Noah’s heart closely monitored. On June 4th our unborn son had his first heart surgery while still in utero. By the grace of God, Noah survived the very risky procedure and we carried him to term. Noah was born on Aug. 18, 2015. At 7 days old our son had his first open-heart surgery. Noah’s heart needed extra support following the Norwood procedure and he was placed on ECMO for a week. Noah’s recovery was long and difficult. On November 9th we brought Noah home for the very first time. Noah’s room looked like a miniature Intensive Care Unit. Our son required oxygen, medication and a pulse oximeter. We were so thankful to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas at home with our fifth child and only son; Noah.

2016

For nothing will be impossible with God. ~ Luke 1:37

As the New Year rolled around… Noah was still between surgeries and still very critical. The community played a huge part in keeping Noah safe while between stages of surgery. Meals were delivered weekly and donations made it possible for me to remain home and look after our son 24hrs. a day. We are forever grateful for those that surrounded us throughout those very critical months. On March 2nd Noah had his 2nd open-heart surgery. The Glenn procedure went incredibly well. Our son responded well to the changes in his physiology and we were home in 6 days! In May, Noah had a Cath. that showed a strong, well functioning half-heart. Summer time ushered in a new normal. For the very first time we were not required to visit a doctor every week. Noah learned to crawl, pull himself up to standing and walk in his walker. We now visit CHOC twice a week for feeding therapy and occupational therapy. The Regional Center is kind enough to visit Noah at home twice a week for physical therapy. Noah is growing each day and we are extremely grateful for all that God continues to do through our son. Our family is forever changed for the better and though raising Noah will never be easy; it is our joy and privilege to love and care for our son. We look to the future with so much hope for all that Noah will do for God’s kingdom. Our son will undergo another open-heart surgery in the next two or three years and we pray for a fully reconstructed heart that will remain strong… caring Noah well into old age. We believe in miracles… we’ve witnesses God’s hand move and know that through Him, all things are possible.

VISION

Our vision is to bring awareness to CHD and bring a community of volunteers, heart families, and others together for the greater good of children born with cogenital heart disorders.

MISSION

Our mission as a family is to provide the best care possible for our son, Noah, who has Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, and other babies born with any CHD whose families need assistance and prayers.

PRAYER

Lord, you love our child as You love all children, Bring healing to our child who is not well. Stay by his side and comfort him through this trying time. Keep us ever mindful of Your loving presence Bless us with Your powerful healing and comfort us also. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

SUPPORT OUR MARCH GARAGE SALE FUNDRAISER

Join in the fun on March 18th! Donations are welcome and greatly appreciated- please drop them off March 17th 3pm-midnight. Donation drop-offs are ok anytime between today and the 17th